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Top Draft picks highlight instructional league crop

Top Draft picks highlight instructional league crop

2013 MLB.com Top Prospects: Marco Gonzales throws his fastball in the low 90s and commands it very well

By Jenifer Langosch and Chad Thornburg
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MLB.com |

ST. LOUIS -- The top three picks from the Cardinals' 2013 Draft class highlight the group of 38 Minor League players scheduled to participate in the organization's upcoming instructional league .

The Cardinals' instructional league begins on Sept. 20 and will run through Oct. 10 in Jupiter, Fla. Much of the time will be devoted to instruction, as several of the Minor League coaches and coordinators will be on hand to guide players through specific teaching points. Seven games against the Mets and Marlins have also been scheduled during the three-week period.

After enjoying a brief respite upon the conclusion of their Minor League seasons, Marco Gonzales (No. 19 overall), Rob Kaminsky (No. 28 overall) and Oscar Mercado (No. 57 overall) will all be attending their first instructional league . Other 2013 Draftees on the roster include Mason Katz (fourth round), Ian McKinney (fifth round), Malik Collymore (10th round) and Steven Farinaro (11th round).

Steve Bean, a compensation-round pick, and second-rounder Carson Kelly are among the representatives from the 2012 Draft. Three of the Cardinals' top four picks in 2011 -- Charlie Tilson, C.J. McElroy and Kenneth Peoples-Walls -- will also participate.

Oliver Marmol, who has led the organization's rookie-level club in State College to the championship series, will manage the instructional league games. Three of the organization's other Minor League managers -- Mike Shildt (Double-A), Dann Bilardello (low-A) and Joe Kruzel (rookie level) -- will be on the coaching staff.